What Is Theology? A Simple Definition for Everyday Faith
Theology: “The ‘science of God.’
Among the Greek Fathers it comes to have two specific references: it can denote either the doctrine of the Trinity, or it can mean prayer. Later it came to mean the science of the Divinely revealed religious truths. Its theme is the Being and Nature of God and His creatures and the whole complex of the Divine dispensation from the Fall of Adam to the Redemption through Christ and its mediation to men by His Church.
Conversations About God
The original Greek root words that the English word theology is translated from are theos, which refers to God, and logos or logia, which refer to utterances, sayings, or words. Therefore, the basic definition of theology is “conversations about God.”
When we really ponder the essential meaning of the term theology, it becomes clear that it’s not merely about learning, instead it’s about living in an increasingly more intimate relationship with God.
You Are a Theologian
My dear friend Christine Caine and I used to go round and round about this because whenever I’d use some theological term, she’d say, “Quit using all those big words, Lease; I am not a theologian.” To which I’d retort, “Oh yes you are a theologian, Chris, because you talk with and about God all the time!” She eventually came around to my line of reasoning. Technically, everyone’s a theologian because pretty much everyone has conversations about God (at least in their own head).
Here’s the deal: Everyone’s invited to dive into the deep, faith-fertilizing waters of biblically sound theology. It’s so much more than a system to organize our thoughts about God and so much better than a belief system to modify our behavior and ensure we won’t say words that aren’t in the Bible when we’re stuck in bad traffic. It’s an incredibly rewarding adventure that will lead us further into the unconditional love of the one true God.
Why Theology Matters
In light of the definition of theology—“conversations about God”—it’s not academic subject matter reserved for pastors; it encompasses the meaning of life itself! It’s how we understand, communicate, and live out everything we know to be true about God and His unconditional love for us.
In His Word
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Theology, at its core, is a pursuit, and this verse reminds us that God is not hiding. He is found by those who seek Him with genuine, wholehearted curiosity.
In Your Life
Have you ever thought of yourself as a theologian? How does reframing theology as simply “conversations about God” change the way you approach your faith, and your relationship with Him?
We Recommend
If this devotional resonated with you, check out Theology for the Rest of Us by Lisa Harper to lean into the unconditional love of Jesus, build a biblically sound belief system, and share the living hope of the Gospel with others. Interested in more on the topic of theology by Lisa Harper on Club31Women? Read about how theology invites us to feel more honestly.
Let’s Connect
Lisa Harper is an engaging communicator as well as an authentic and substantive Bible teacher in person, on TV, and on the radio. She holds a master’s in theological studies from Covenant Seminary and a doctorate from Houston Theological Seminary. She’s been in vocational ministry for 30 years and has written many popular books and Bible study curricula, but says her greatest accomplishment by far is becoming mama to Missy, her adopted daughter from Haiti.